Hot Topics:

Autos

Big boost in this little sportster

Updated:
11/05/2012 09:49:57 AM EST

The Veloster hit the streets last year as an adorable, affordable hot-rod do-all. Yeah, it's a lot of things. What would you call it? It gets 40 mpg and features a useful hatchback, but also has a unique, seriously sporty silhouette and a glass roof.

So, the next step? Make it faster, of course. It works for MINI, Fiat, Volkswagen and Honda, after all. More power's not going to hurt the reputation of an extravagant little sportster like this. Quite the opposite, in fact. The Veloster Turbo gets a unique face, with a much larger grille, and LED headlight accents. Avery distinctive matte gray paint is also available. Unique 18-inch wheels and a body kit are a part of the package, and with the matte gray paint this is an intimidating little hunchback indeed.

The rear bumper's also more aggressively styled than that of the naturally aspirated Veloster, with a dual center exhaust and LED brake lights. The unique three-door styling makes it a bunch more useful than the average sports car, too.

About the matte gray paint. No, it's not still in primer. Matte paint has been seen on exotics, because it's an expensive, hard-to-care-for option, but this is the first time it's been widely available on a car that cost less than $50,000. Hyundai recommends that matte-painted Velosters be hand-washed, and the car comes with a special care kit.

Advertisement

Inside, the Veloster Turbo gets two-tone sport seats with standard heaters. The blue trim is unique to the Veloster Turbo, and looks distinctive without being too garish. Hyundai's BlueLink is standard, as is a keyless entry. The low body hints at a small interior, but the Veloster will swallow more cargo than any of its competitors thanks to a low floor and fold-flat rear seats. With the seats folded, the Veloster Turbo will carry over 34 cubic feet of stuff.

The Veloster Turbo gets a stylish headliner, and there's a seven-inch touch-screen radio handling infotainment duties. A panoramic sunroof, a backup alarm and navigation system are available options.

The magic is made by a direct-injection DOHC 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The blown version of the Veloster's base powerplant throws down 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, but still returns 26/38 fuel economy in manual-transmission format. The turbocharger is a twin-scroll unit (a la BMW) that works more efficiently and responds more quickly than the cheap turbos that used to be slapped onto inexpensive compacts back in the '80s. The turbo's integrated stainless steel turbine housing is attached directly to the exhaust manifold to reduce weight. Every pound shaved counts because the Veloster is already a flyweight. In a 2800pound car, 201 horsepower goes a long way. Only the Civic SI, Beetle Turbo and VW GTI join the Veloster in the 200-hp club, and the Volkswagens have almost 300 pounds on it. The Veloster Turbo snaps to attention gleefully, and is eager to run. Whether you choose the manual or the automatic transmission, you'll have six speeds, and the automatic is selectable with paddle shifters. Both gearboxes put the power to the road eagerly, with very little torque steer or squirm, and the tall sixth gear makes for a relaxed drive on the freeway.

The Veloster Turbo gets a unique steering rack with quicker ratios and a sporttuned suspension. The MacPherson struts in front and torsion-beam rear are structurally similar to that of the base Veloster, but a stabilizer bar is integrated into the Turbo's rear beam axle. Bigger brakes are also part of the package.

The Veloster's versatile body and extremely distinctive looks already have made it a standout, and the added performance is a happy bonus that turns a pleasant little subcompact into a whole lot of fun. It's about a $1,600 walk over the naturally aspirated Veloster, with a $21,950 base price. Option it up with the panoramic roof, navigation system and everything else, and the Veloster Turbo goes for $25,450.

Welcome to your discussion forum: Sign in with a Disqus account or your social networking account for your comment to be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (READ HOW.)
Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Sentinel and Enterprise. So keep it civil.